Leptospirosis in Iran

Leptospirosis is one of the most wide spread zoonosis worldwide which caused by Pathogenic leptospires. In humid tropical and subtropical areas with high rainfall (Such north of Iran), it is a greater problem than in those with a temperate climate. The disease is regularly prevalent in poor urban areas in developing countries. The clinical syndromes in human are difficult to distinguish. The presentations can differ from a moderate fever likes flu to more serious illnesses considered by hemorrhage, jaundice, myalgia, renal dysfunction, and aseptic meningitis leads to death in some infected patients. After infection, leptospires can colonize the proximal renal tubules of an inclusive different of wild and domestic animals for a longtime and are secreted through the urine into the environment. Humans most commonly become infected through occupational, recreational, or domestic contact with the urine of carrier animals, either directly or via contaminated water or soil. Due to the large number of pathogenic serovars (more than 250) and widespread of animal reservoirs in the environment, eradication of Leptospirosis is problematic. In spite of vaccination, the disease still survives in some regions of the country. The incidence of leptospirosis is probably grossly underestimated, because of limited diagnostic capacity in the regions where the burden of disease greatest. To guide in diagnostic procedures in order to obtain early diagnosis so that prompt and appropriate management can be instituted and prevention and control measures can be carried out at the earliest possible stage to reduce morbidity and mortality. The clinical diagnosis should be confirmed by laboratory tests. Therefore, reliable and rapid tests are adequate for the diagnosis of leptospirosis. Samples may be also sent to higher centers with more facilities to do specific tests such as MAT, PCR and culture.